Dr. A K M Shamsul Islam inspects Bangladesh Meteorological Department
Defence Adviser Urges Technology Driven Accurate Weather Forecasting
- Stressed upgrading the department into a modern, technology-driven institution.
- Emphasized simplifying warning language so general citizens can easily comprehend.
- Defence Secretary and SPARRSO Chairman accompanied the adviser during the inspection.
Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A K M Shamsul Islam has urged for minimizing the damages of natural disasters and building a safe Bangladesh through accurate and timely weather forecasting. He made this call on 19 July, Sunday during his visit to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department in Agargaon, Dhaka.
During the visit, he inspected the overall activities of the department and was briefed on weather observation, forecast preparation, cyclone and heavy rainfall warning systems, and operations related to delivering emergency weather data to the public. Senior officials of the department informed him about the various stages of forecast generation, the use of modern technology, and methods for field-level data collection. Later, the Defence Adviser toured different sections, including the Storm Warning Center, forecasting department, agricultural meteorology, climate wing, seismic observatory, workshop, and research laboratories, where he exchanged views with the meteorologists, engineers, and on-duty officials.
Dr. A K M Shamsul Islam stated, "Accurate weather forecasting is not merely scientific data; it is a vital foundation for saving human lives, agricultural production, safe navigation through river and sea routes, food security, and protecting the country's economy." He added, "Due to climate change, the risks of cyclones, heavy rainfall, lightning, heatwaves, and flash floods are on the rise. To tackle these hazards, the meteorological department must be transformed into a more modern, technology-driven, and user-friendly institution."
Along with upgrading the quality of forecasts, he urged taking effective initiatives so that the general public can easily understand the language of the warning messages.
The Defence Adviser directed the authorities to evaluate the feasibility of expanding modern weather observation frameworks, seismic monitoring equipment, and mobile-based alert systems. Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of building stronger coordination among disaster management bodies, local administrations, media, and telecommunication service providers.
He urged the officers and employees of the department to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and professionalism for public safety. Following the inspection, he concluded that everyone concerned must work in a coordinated manner to ensure necessary planning, training, and technical assistance to elevate Bangladesh's meteorological services to international standards.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), Director of the Meteorological Department, and other senior officials and employees were present during the inspection.
//DBTech/SI/MI//
